ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: something that constitutes an end: such as

a

: conclusion

a movie with a happy ending

b

: one or more letters or syllables added to a word base especially in inflection

Synonyms

• end
• conclusion
• finale
• closing
• culmination
• close

Examples of ending in a Sentence

I didn't like the book's ending.

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

Recent Examples on the Web

But in the wake of that buildup, the film's shockingly anticlimactic ending also feels like somewhat of a cop-out. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

So, for me, the ending was incredibly satisfying and romantic. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025

Expect ego trips and surprising plot twists that push you to release control, but remember what may feel like an ending is really just the beginning of your reinvention. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Because as rough as the ending was for the Heat, there were plenty of positives in Wednesday’s defeat. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ending

• nerve ending
• never-ending

Rhymes for ending

• bending
• blending
• fending
• lending
• mending
• pending
• rending
• sending
• spending
• tending
• trending
• vending

Kids Definition

ending

noun

end·​ing ˈen-diŋ 

: the final part : conclusion, end

a novel with a happy ending